Graland Cares

Fourth Graders and Fourth Grade Parents, 

This year, we, as a class, have decided to fill a "Graland Cares" bag in order to help support those in need during this special time of year. We are beginning discussions about the holidays and it's important for us to keep in mind those who might not be as fortunate. If you and your child could look around the house and see if you have one item that you would be willing to donate to our "class Graland Cares bag," or pick up something small next time you are out grocery shopping, it would be much appreciated. 

Here are some suggested items that are needed, but anything that comes to mind would be great!

hand lotion
lip balm
soap
cloth handkerchiefs
small packages of Kleenex

dried soup mix
packaged hot drinks
dried fruit
crackers
cookies
jams
candy

scarves
gloves
hats
holiday pens/pencils
postage stamps

"Me and Uncle Romie" Turn and Talk

Think of the various ways in which Uncle Romie makes Jamie's birthday special for him. Using TEXT DETAILS and/or your own experience, write about what Uncle Romie's actions tell you about his personality in the comments box below.

Movie Trailer Elements

In class today, we discussed key factors that a movie trailer needs to have. 

Look at this list to help you when you analyze and critique a movie trailer tonight.

A movie trailer should have the majority of these elements-
- the title
- main characters or actors' names (starring....)
- "from the creators of 'Wreck-it-Ralph and 'Frozen' "
- rating
- director and production company
- action/funny scenes
- soundtrack
- critics reviews
- slogan
- a HOOK (the trailer states the problem in the story)
- appropriate soundtrack
- shows the date of when the movie is coming out
- good pacing 
- exciting graphics

Homework 10/14/14

For homework tonight, please read the following article: Autism by kidshealth.org. After reading the article, respond to the following question in your writer's notebook:

Why do you think it is important for Graland 4th graders to be involved in the Unified Neighborhood Program? 

Introduction to Autism

On Wednesday, October 22, we will meet our Unified Neighborhood Buddies from the Joshua School.  The Joshua School is a school that is specifically designed for children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. This can be seen in a variety of ways including difficulties communicating, interacting with other people and repeating specific behaviors. To learn more about Autism spectrum disorder, watch this video below, created by a mother of a child with Autism. 

Mr. Sidewell's Visit to Graland!

This past week, Graland had the great pleasure of welcoming author, Adam Glendon Sidwell to the lower school.  Mr. Sidwell is the author of the two-book Evertaster series.  He has also written the picture book, Fetch, and a new chapter book titled, Chum.

The lower school students were treated to a presentation entitled, The Art of Story.  Mr. Sidwell shared his creative writing process and integrated movie clips into his presentation to generate excitement. Overall it was a fun, interactive, and informative presentation that hopefully inspired the students to find their inner creative writer.

Congratulations to two of our fourth graders for being chosen to introduce Mr. Sidwell!  Click on this link to view their introduction.

Evertaster- Book Trailer

Adam Glendon Sidwell is coming to visit Graland next Wednesday, October 8th! We are so excited for his visit. Feel free to read a quick bio about him here: Sidwell Bio

And now... for your viewing pleasure... the book trailer for his novel Evertaster. 

Welcome!

Welcome to our 4th grade blog! On this blog, you will find group discussions, pages that link to homework (math and language arts), spelling, Journeys resources, and most importantly, our individual student blogs. Our 4th graders work very hard and this is a place for all of us to share our thoughts, wonders, musings, questions, accomplishments, lessons, and celebrations.